Sunday, September 8, 2013

Essential Information About Asphalt Maryland

By Kate McMahon


There are a lot of benefits associated with asphalt Maryland residents need to know. Protecting such an investment from deteriorating is essential in ensuring an attractive looking driveway or parking lot. Seal-coating the material within a year of installation is the most cost efficient way for avoiding pavement failures and expensive repairs. The common asphalt problems with their solutions are highlighted below.

With time, gas, oil, traffic, and the sun unrelenting rays will wreck havoc on the material. The older it gets, the more it becomes exposed to elements. Eventually, this will make it fade and take the gray appearance. This is a sign that the substance is oxidizing and drying out. The more it dries, the more brittle it becomes thus making it prone to cracks. At this point, it is a downward spiral if nothing is done to prevent water from penetrating the formed cracks.

Raveling is also an important issue that home owners need to be aware of. The binder usually acts as glue. It holds together the stones and the sand particles that make up asphalt. When deterioration of these materials begins, the process is called raveling. The aggregate pieces will loosen and breakaway from the pavement surfaces making them thinner and thinner with time.

Longitudinal and transverse cracks are common in these pavements. They start small but expand over time. As stated, any crack in this material is an opportunity for water to penetrate. The expansion caused by frequent changes in temperature from hot to cold will continue to cause the formed cracks to expand.

It is important for an individual to get rid of the debris and dirt found at the crevices and cracks of the pavement. Periodic maintenance should be carried out to ensure that the driveways are always in their good condition. Necessary care should be taken to make sure that the already formed gaps do not widen since this will only worsen the situation.

Plants and weeds will begin to grow if the cracks, joints and crevices in the pavements are not filled. In other cases, trees grow thus covering up almost the entire driveway, changing its visual appeal. The parking lots appear unkempt and the base of this material begins to deteriorate. As the plants grow, their roots widen thus expanding the already formed crevices. This in turn allows for penetration of more water which ends up eroding the base of the pavement. Simple repairs on such materials will help the home owner to save substantial amount of money.

The most important thing about asphalt is the fact that it is durable and safe. They are strong enough to withstand any kind of load ranging from trucks to sedans. They can also be customized to minimize splash and spray in wet seasons, minimize noise and treat rain water. They are also able to withstand freezing. Since they are durable, home owners and business people have been able to save money on issues of repair.

The above are essential facts on asphalt Maryland residents need to know. The look of the driveway usually has an overall effect on the appeal of the house. It creates a focal point when the guest and passerby visit the apartment or the home of an individual.




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